Inaccessible websites are attracting more litigation than ever before. On 15 June 2017 a Federal Judge in California allowed a blind plaintiff to continue his lawsuit against US retailer, Hobby Lobby, on the inaccessibility of their website, overturning the defendant’s demand for the case to be dismissed. This news comes after another Judge, in Florida, found the Winn Dixie retail chain guilty of discrimination for their inaccessible website one week earlier.

Judge’s hammer and two law books

In what is set to be a landmark decision with increasingly global implications, a Florida Federal Judge handed down atrial verdict of website inaccessibility finding that Winn Dixie had violated Title III of the ADA by having a website that could not be used by the legally blind plaintiff.

Engaging with accessible social media (Part 2 – YouTube and Blogging)

While YouTube videos go viral across the globe, around 20% of Australians aren’t in on the joke. For the one in five Australians living with disability, accessibility to social media remains a challenge. And as blogging continues to grow as a means of providing a voice to ordinary people, a lack of accessibility for those with impairments undermines their ability to engage with such stories, ideas and communities. Yet social inclusion can be achieved by taking active steps to ensure access in the online world.

Engaging with accessible social media – Facebook and Twitter

The importance of a social media presence may be well accepted, but many overlook a crucial element of successful engagement. With 20 percent of the Australian population having some form of disability, accessibility is key and benefits both users and organisations who are wanting to engage with as many potential customers as they can.

Typing a message on a keyboard

Successful social media strategies

While most businesses and Government utilities have now jumped on the social media bandwagon, many are unaware that their online presence may be inaccessible to members of their target audience. In particular, social media apps can present barriers for the 20 percent of Australians living with disability.